Meet the tester
Rab Superflux Hoody: first impressions
British brand Rab has recently updated its popular Rab Superflux Hoody. A versatile mid-weight fleece, this top is a great all-rounder that’s perfect for everything from high intensity mountain use to keeping you warm on a lazy Sunday at home
• List price: $160 (US) / £100 (UK) / €120 (EU)
• Fabric: Thermic stretch midweight 215g/m² fleece (94% polyester / 6% elastane) with brushed grid
• Weight (men’s L): 402g / 14oz
• Gender availability: Men’s and women’s versions available
• Sizes: Men’s: S-XXL; Women’s: XS-XL
• Center back length (men’s L): 74cm / 29in
• Colors: Men’s: Graphene & Firecracker / Army / Black & Beluga / Deep Ink / Graphene / Sahara; Women’s: Atlantis / Deep Heather / Deep Ink / Green Slate
The Thermic fleece material used in its construction is stretchy and warm, and also offers good breathability. It isn’t quite as close fitting as the Rab Ascendor Summit Hoody but it still offers an athletic cut that flatters fit people.
The new design features a larger bonded chest pocket with YKK zip and a pair of harness-compatible handwarmer pockets – excellent for keeping fingers from freezing while you’re at the crag.
Thumb loops also allow you to pull the sleeves down to mid-palm length – very handy if you forget to bring gloves on a winter hike. These loops are fairly unobtrusive and the Superflux doesn’t look too technical, making it a piece you can wear off the mountain and straight to the pub.
I’ve been testing the new version of the Rab Superflux Hoody to see how it compares to the best fleece tops on the market today.
Rab Superflux Hoody: on the trails
I’ve spent a lot of time wearing the Rab Superflux Hoody over the last year. An athletic fit means it layers well while plenty of pockets make it useful as a shoulder season outer layer.
On the Fife Coastal Path in brisk spring weather it kept me very comfortable, although it doesn’t offer much wind protection, so I paired it with a good weatherproof outershell jacket to cut out the coastal gusts.
I threw it on often when heading to Tentsmuir Forest for long walks with the dog, and it also frequently accompanied me on other regular hiking destinations, such as the network of trails around Dunkeld.
The face fabric is hardwearing and hasn’t bobbled, even after repeated washes. Meanwhile the inside is brushed fleece that feels good next to my skin. I found the hood fitted snugly against my head and was an easy way to increase the Superflux’s warmth, especially when wearing it as a standalone layer.
Those wanting maximum warmth out of a fleece should look elsewhere, however, or be ready to layer up. The Superflux is lightweight and breathable but other fleece mid layers are thicker and beat it for warmth.
